| September 28th 2002 |
Professional Concert |
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Helen Rogers | harpsichord |
| Philippa Hyde | soprano |
| Paul Esswood | countertenor |
| Jennifer Janse | cello |
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Specialise in the music of 17th and 18th century Europe. They are regular guest artists at the South Bank and the Wigmore Hall. They have broadcast on Radio 3 and have made a number of CDs.
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Programme: "The Fairest Isle"
"Compelling programme of passion, patriotism, lust and lasciviousness!"
Henry Purcell and compatriots, with sprightly songs and saucy duets,
interspersed with charming solos for cello and harpsichord
"...........spark a touch of passion" - Early Music Review
"...........an evening of exquisite pleasure" - Zagreb, May 2000
| Duet | Sound the Trumpet | Henry Purcell |
| Duet | Ah Heav'n, what is't I hear? | John Blow |
| Song | Britain, thou now art great | Henry Purcell |
| Song | Fairest Isle | |
| Duet | Britain, now thy cares beguile | |
| Duet | Sing ye Druids | |
| | Sonata No III in F major for cello & continuo | William Flackton |
| | A Hymn on Divine Musick | William Croft |
| Duet | No, Resistance is but Vain | Henry Purcell |
| Interval |
| Duet | Lost is my Quiet | Henry Purcell |
| A Mad Song | Restless in thought | John Eccles |
| Duet | Sing ye Muses | Henry Purcell |
| Song | Mad Bess | |
| Duet | If my Celia could persuade | John Blow |
| | Suite in D major for solo harpsichord | Matthew Locke |
| Duet | Oh! the Sweet Delights of Love! | Henry Purcell |
| Duet | Shepherd leave decoying | |
| Song | Take not a woman's anger ill | |
| Dialogue | Now the Maids and the Men | |
Four leading British musicians form the core of this unique ensemble which specialises in the rich and varied repertoire of seveneenth and eighteenth century Europe. Described as "One of the most gifted and more musically intelligent of all the early music ensembles currently before the public" (Musical Opinion), the Music Companye has performed extensively in the UK, Europe and beyond to great critical acclaim. They are regular guest artists at London's Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room and the ensemble has broadcast several times on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
Phillippa Hyde has worked as a soloist for many leading early music ensembles and orchestras including The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Canzona and The Parley of Instruments. Recordings include the role of Semira in Arne's Artaxerxes for Hyperion. Phillippa is Professor of Period Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Paul Esswood, the first counter-tenor ever to sing at La Scala, Milan, has made over 200 recordings, including the famous complete Bach series under Harnoncourt/Leonhardt. His operatic appearances have included world premieres by Penderecki and Glass, as well as the Monteverdi cycle in Zurich produced by Ponnelle.
Jennifer Janse is equally at home on both period and modern cello. She has given over a hundred solo performances in Russia, Germany and Norway and orchestral concerts with, among others, the King's Consort, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and English Concert.
Helen Rogers is in much demand as both a solo harpsichordist and continuo player. She is frequently a soloist at the Purcell Room and other major venues performing Bach concertos and Brandenburg concertos. In 2000, Helen was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.